Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Honda Pilot engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Honda Pilot have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pilot | 278 |
| 2018 Pilot | 79 |
| 2019 Pilot | 122 |
| 2020 Pilot | 49 |
| 2021 Pilot (this page) | 42 |
| 2022 Pilot | 9 |
| 2023 Pilot | 5 |
| 2025 Pilot | 10 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service Bulletin - MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering. Moisture accumulation in the intake manifold during long drives gets drawn into the combustion chamber while cornering, causing misfires.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2021 Honda Pilots describe two dominant engine issues: sudden mechanical failure and automatic idle stop malfunction. Rod bearing and connecting rod failures occur without warning—loud clunking, immediate power loss, flashing check engine light (sometimes none at all), and need for complete engine replacement. These happen anywhere from 9,200 miles to 143,000 miles. Dealerships confirm metal shavings in oil and damaged cylinders; some offer salvaged engines under warranty, raising concerns about VIN mismatch with existing recalls.
The auto idle stop system consistently fails to restart engines at traffic lights and stop signs, leaving vehicles stalled in traffic. Owners report having to place the car in park, turn off the system, and restart manually—sometimes taking multiple attempts. The issue persists even after battery replacement, software updates, and dealership visits. In several cases, complete electrical loss occurs, with all dash lights illuminating and shifters locking because push-button transmission controls require power.
Additional engine problems include cooling fan failure (melting or separation at highway speeds), oil leakage from brand-new engines, cylinder misfire codes, and unexplained engine seizure. One owner reported rapid acceleration into a home. Dealerships often cannot reproduce problems or identify root causes, and parts shortages have delayed recall completion for months.
Same Honda Pilot engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start/Stop restart failures
The automatic engine idle stop feature fails to restart the engine after coming to a stop, leaving the vehicle stalled in traffic. Owners report having to place the vehicle in park, turn off the system, and manually restart—sometimes requiring multiple attempts. The issue occurs both when the feature is enabled by default and persists even after battery replacement, software updates, or diagnostic visits to dealerships that cannot reproduce the problem.
When: Occurs at traffic lights and stop signs; reported with increasing frequency; worse in cold weather; some instances noted after software updates
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off but will not restart when brakes are released; Message appears on dash directing driver to place vehicle in park; All dash lights and warning lights illuminated during failure; Turn signals inoperable during failure; shifter cannot be shifted to neutral; Brake pedal goes to floor during failure; Dashboard and instrument panel become inoperable; System unavailable message appears on display
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (general illumination during failures), Battery warning light (in some instances), NHTSA Investigation PE22005 referenced by one owner
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced battery ($500–$1,500 reported), applied software updates, and inspected components but report inability to duplicate problem. One owner disabled the feature but it re-enables on next drive. Another replaced battery at dealership with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates mentioned; no recalls or TSBs cited for this specific issue in narratives; one owner referenced NHTSA Investigation PE22005
Rod bearing and connecting rod failure
Engine rod bearings crack, break, or fail catastrophically, often with no warning. Metal shavings appear in engine oil. Failure results in sudden loss of power, loud clunking or knocking sounds, and flashing check engine light. Dealerships and independent shops confirm spun bearings, broken rods, and damage to cylinders. Engine requires replacement. Occurs at highway speeds and city driving without prior indication from warning lights or sensors.
When: Mileage range reported: 9,209 miles to 143,000 miles; one instance at 72,000 miles with reference to NHTSA Campaign 23V751000; instances occur at various speeds without prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk, clang, or knock from engine; Sudden loss of power while driving; Engine seizure or complete shutdown; Flashing check engine light (sometimes); No warning lights or sensor notifications before failure (in multiple cases); Knocking sounds from engine; Metal shavings identified in engine oil
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (flashing in some cases; absent in others), OBD tool shows no notifications in at least one case, Cylinder misfire codes (one instance: Cylinder 2 Misfire; one instance: Cylinder 5 bearing failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in all cases; dealerships offered salvaged or used engines; one owner reported $8,792 quote for used engine; two independent shops and dealerships confirmed rod bearing or connecting rod failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner noted NHTSA Campaign 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but VIN and model year not included; another owner noted VIN-specific recall on previous-year Pilots; dealerships confirmed need for engine replacement under warranty but offered salvaged motors
Engine cooling fan failure
Engine cooling fans melt or separate while vehicle is operating or parked. One driver's side fan melted; later the passenger's side fan separated. Both failures occurred during or shortly after driving. Failure results in abnormal rattling and popping sounds, overheating, and loss of engine cooling function. Owner purchased replacement fan from parts store and had it replaced at independent shop.
When: At approximately 86,000 miles; driver's side failure during highway driving at 70 MPH; passenger's side separation at airport idle
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal loud rattling sound while driving; Rattling sound persists while vehicle parked; Abnormal popping sound during idling; Engine overheating during failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner purchased replacement cooling fan from O'Reilly Auto Parts and had it installed at Four Brothers Auto Services; passenger's side fan separation was not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not notified; no recall or TSB mentioned
Engine seizure without clear cause
Engine suddenly seizes or stops responding while driving at low to moderate speeds. Occurs with no warning signs or illuminated warning lights. Vehicle becomes inoperable but may restart after waiting or intervention. Multiple instances reported on same vehicle. Dealership inspection found no cause.
When: At approximately 15,000 miles; two separate occasions while driving at 30 and 50 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizes suddenly; All vehicle functions become inoperable; No warning lights illuminated prior to failure; Vehicle restarts after waiting or after intervention
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership (Honda of Whittier) restarted vehicle but found no cause for failure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified; no recall or TSB mentioned
Complete electrical loss and battery drain during idle stop
Vehicle loses all electrical power while using auto idle stop feature at traffic lights. Battery drains completely, requiring jumper assistance or extended charging. Vehicle cannot be shifted out of park without battery power (push-button transmission dependent on electrical system). One owner suspects frequent idle stop cycling drains battery faster than engine can recharge during short urban commute.
When: At traffic lights; vehicle 18 months old at time of incident; reported on vehicles with 29,000 to 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power during auto idle stop; Battery goes completely dead despite being replaced or brand new; All dash lights and warning lights come on; Shifter cannot be moved (push-button controls require power); Vehicle completely unresponsive; cannot be towed easily (AWD) due to shift lock
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light (in some instances)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery voltage checked at 12.1V (marginal), and owner noted battery is in good working condition; one owner replaced battery at dealership with no resolution; tow truck required extended jumper assistance or battery pack case to restart
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned; one owner has not contacted dealer; another scheduled appointment for 10/29/25
Main engine bearing failure
Main engine bearings fail, causing abnormal ticking sound from engine compartment. Diagnosis confirms main engine bearings and connecting rods have failed. Engine requires replacement.
When: At approximately 143,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal ticking sound from engine compartment at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed main engine bearing and connecting rod failure; engine not yet repaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not yet contacted
Oil leakage from new engine
Vehicle with fewer than 200 miles shows active oil leaks from engine area, leaving spots in garage. Oil dipstick reads empty despite vehicle being newly purchased from dealership.
When: At fewer than 200 miles; immediately after purchase from dealer
Symptoms owners cite: Oil spots leaking in garage (initially thought to be AC condensation); Oil dipstick reading empty
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet diagnosed or repaired; owner notes vehicle is still under warranty but has not taken it to dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response yet
Cylinder misfire and connecting rod/crankshaft failure
Check engine light illuminates with cylinder misfire code; subsequent dealer diagnosis reveals connecting rod or crankshaft damage. Engine requires replacement. One instance followed recent fluid service where dealer had noted intermittent shifting and low RPM behavior but dismissed it as debris.
When: At approximately 96,000 miles; misfire code triggered during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light illuminated with cylinder misfire code; Intermittent shifting/low RPM jump noted in previous service; Loss of power during operation
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 2 Misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially attributed issue to improperly placed air filter housing and low battery power; after resolving those, identified connecting rod/crankshaft failure requiring engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned
Emissions system failure warning light
Vehicle displays repeated 'emissions system failure' warning message. Dealership replaced fuse, but message returned days later. Owner suspects issue is related to FAKRA service cable failure recall (affecting audio display connections) rather than fuse, but dealership has not confirmed. Vehicle has three active recalls; dealership unable to complete repairs due to parts shortage.
When: Complaint filed after oil change service; parts shortage preventing recall resolution
Symptoms owners cite: Emissions system failure message on dashboard; Message returns after fuse replacement
Codes mentioned: Emissions system failure (displayed message)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced fuse; issue persisted. Three recalls identified on vehicle, but dealership unable to obtain parts and complete repairs. Owner suspects FAKRA cable recall is root cause but not confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has three active recalls on this vehicle; dealership states parts are on backorder and service is behind schedule
Unexpected downshift to neutral and loss of engine function
Vehicle downshifts to neutral without warning while driving on busy street. Driver unable to shift back into drive or later into park. Inspection reveals all transmission components functioning normally, but engine is not working and requires repair. No prior warning lights (except occasional tick/tap sound heard earlier that day). Mechanic notes engine failure on vehicle with only 109,000 miles is unusual.
When: During busy street driving; tick/tap noise heard earlier that day but not investigated
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle downshifts to neutral without warning; Unable to shift back into drive; Unable to shift into park when stopped; Engine not working; no power to move vehicle; Tick or tap-like noise heard earlier in day; No warning lights illuminated before downshift
Repairs/costs cited: Auto shop inspection confirms all transmission components in working order; engine diagnosed as non-functioning and requiring repair; shop notes similar known issue exists in Honda engines of this type
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Auto shop recommended owner check with Honda regarding known engine issue
Rapid acceleration without operator input
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input, causing it to drive into home, damaging both vehicle and house. Owner was unaware of this known issue until after the incident occurred.
When: Incident occurred; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver pressing gas pedal; Vehicle drives into stationary structure (home)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle damaged; home damaged
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes Honda has a known issue with rapid acceleration but received no notification
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
So on Oct 25, 2024 I took my car to get an oil change at the moss bros Honda dealership. I always get all maintenance done there. Then a week later on Nov 3, 2024 my suv pilot broke down on the freeway it just started jerking and the screen kept glitching then right after the engine light went on. I was not aware of any signs for it to happen but Luckily there was a cop and a tow truck close by…
The issue is with a restart after the car engaged the auto idle stop feature. Outside temperature was about 43F, Car had been driven earlier in day, and was parked for about 1 hour. The car started okay after sitting for an hour, then driven at highway speeds for about 10 mins. Car then came to a stop once coming off the highway at a red light. The car's auto idle engaged and the car's engine…
Had engine trouble with your 2021 Honda Pilot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 42 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 69,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Honda/Pilot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.